Cracker Barrel has been a thing since 1969, and today, the homestyle restaurant chain has a dedicated following that has grown accustomed to the country eatery. Much of that customer loyalty is due to the hodge-podge and the hospitality, but some folks likely return because of the prices.
I have never been to a Cracker Barrel as far as I can remember, but this week’s Budget Bites provided me with an opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. I braved the Monday rain to visit the nearest Cracker Barrel location in San Antonio, and the overall experience was more or less what I expected from the type of restaurant chain it is.
As I previously mentioned, it was raining when I stopped by my local Cracker Barrel, so I ran through a curtain of raindrops and directly into a gift shop, which acts as something of a waiting room at the restaurant. My senses were inundated with knick-knacks and doodads dressed every inch of the room, and after searching around for where to go, I found myself at the host stand, where I checked in with an employee who escorted me to a table.
The kitsch is not just reserved for the gift shop; it’s on every wall in Cracker Barrel. Mounted animal heads, black-and-white portraits and old metallic signs for cigarette brands I’ve never heard of decorated the dining room. I was flipping through the menu while taking everything in when I decided on the Momma’s Breakfast, a plate of three buttermilk pancakes, two eggs and a choice of bacon or sausage for $10.49.
When my food arrived, everything looked good. The eggs were over easy, the sausage came in patties and the pancakes were topped with butter. The plates came with two little bottles of Cracker Barrel’s own maple syrup, one of which I poured over my pancakes before stuffing them in my mouth. The pancakes were hands down the best part of that meal, delivering all kinds of fluffy, buttery goodness to my gullet.
I’m not so sure I’d return to Cracker Barrel on my own volition, but I can understand the appeal that has been bringing in the customers for 57 years. The prices were mostly affordable, and they even offered a few specials that depended on the day of the week. Plus, this place has pretty good hospitality, something the chain seems to pride itself on.